Barrier & Computer

Computer hardware is no longer a major barrier to wide use of wireless information systems. This is due to the number of different systems available to connect on. I will be discussing 3 of these, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G. The Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) standard is based on the 802. 11 specification and is currently the most common standard for wireless home and small-office networking. Wi-Fi is ideal for small-business and home wireless networks with an indoor range of about 150 feet and an outdoor range of about 300 feet.In a simple network, the network signal is brought into the home/office via a modem, and a router/access point distributes the signal. There are four common versions of 802. 11, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 802. 11n The 802. 11n specification is the most recent development in the area of Wi-Fi. 802. 11n builds on previous 802. 11 standards by adding multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and 40 MHz channels to the physical (PHY) layer, and frame ag gregation to the MAC layer. MIMO is a technology which uses multiple antennas to coherently resolve more information than possible using a single antenna.Two important benefits it provides to 802. 11n are antenna diversity and spatial multiplexing. 802. 11g The 802. 11g specification is the most recent of the Wi-Fi specs to be approved and is currently the most commonly implemented Wi-Fi standard. Like 802. 11n and 802. 11b, 802. 11g operates in the 2. 4GHz spectrum, but without the MIMO advantage of 802. 11n, 802. 11g is highly subject to interference from other electronic devices that operate in the same spectrum, such as cordless phones and baby monitors. 802. 11b As the first popular Wi-Fi technology, the 802.11b specification offers slower data speeds than 802. 11n, 802. 11g, or 802. 11a, with a theoretical throughput of 11Mbps and real-world performance of about 5Mbps. Otherwise, its specs mirror those of 802. 11g. 802. 11b has an indoor range of about 150 feet, and it operate s in the 2. 4GHz band, making it highly susceptible to interference from other devices. On the positive side, 802. 11b products are very inexpensive, if you can find them. 802. 11a An oddity of the Wi-Fi specs is 802. 11a–it's less common but does have certain advantages over 802.11g. 802. 11a operates in the 5GHz frequency, which means it's less susceptible to interference from cordless phones and microwave ovens. 802. 11a also boasts speeds similar to 802. 11g, though because 802. 11g and 802. 11a use different frequencies, they can't talk directly to one another. If you're using an 802. 11a adapter on a notebook, you won't be able to connect to most Wi-Fi hot spots. 802. 11a also lacks the range of the other Wi-Fi flavors, spanning only about 100 feet. Finally, the 5GHz radio inside 802.11a products will drain power faster than a 2. 4GHz radio . Next is Bluetooth, a low-power radio signal specification that allows devices to communicate and exchange information on a smalle r scale than Wi-Fi using a personal-area network. Bluetooth's practical throughput is roughly 500Kbps, and its range is no more than 30 feet, making Bluetooth ideal for simple exchanges of information between devices. Bluetooth is also easier to use than Wi-Fi. Bluetooth devices that come within range of each other can communicate automatically with little or no setup.Common applications for Bluetooth include wireless keyboards and mice for notebook and desktop PCs, communication and file transfers between PCs and PDAs; wireless printing to a Bluetooth printer; and wireless headsets for cell phones. Newer applications include Bluetooth-enabled cars that communicate with Bluetooth-enabled phones, allowing for true hands-free phone operation in the car. However, Bluetooth operates on the 2. 4GHz band, subject to the same interference issues as 802. 11 network devices.3G is an broad term that refers to third-generation wireless networks that deliver broadband speeds to cell phones and other mobile devices. With speeds between 144Kbps and 2. , you can download files, surf the Web, send and receive e-mail, or stream music and video over the cellular networks. With a cellular modem or a 3G phone, you don't have to find discrete hot spots; an entire metropolitan area with a 3G network is essentially a giant hot spot of sorts. There are several types of 3G to choose from. The two main versions of 3G are UMTS and EVDO. Speeds for each are comparable, though EVDO is more widely available.Currently, Verizon Wireless is the main provider of EVDO networks, with coverage in about 50 cities and metropolitan areas. UMTS is available through Cingular/AT&T Wireless, though only in very limited areas. Cingular/AT&T also provides EDGE networks, which are technically 2. 5G cellular technology. EDGE is slower than both UMTS and EVDO, transmitting data at rates of about 90Kbps. On the plus side, EDGE networks are more widely available than UMTS, and in fact, Cingular encourages usin g EDGE networks when outside of their geographically limited UMTS coverage areas .The next generation of wireless system is, WiBro (Wireless Broadband) is a wireless broadband Internet technology developed by the South Korean telecoms industry. WiBro is the South Korean service name for IEEE 802. 16e international standard. WiBro adopts TDD for duplexing, OFDMA for multiple access and 8. 75 MHz as a channel bandwidth. WiBro was devised to overcome the data rate limitation of mobile phones and to add mobility to broadband Internet access In February 2002, the Korean government allocated 100 MHz of electromagnetic spectrum in the 2.3 – 2. 4 GHz band, and in late 2004 WiBro Phase 1 was standardized by the TTA of Korea and in late 2005 ITU reflected WiBro as IEEE 802. 16e. Two South Korean Telecoms (KT, SKT) launched commercial service in June 2006 . In the course of just a few short years, wireless technologies have changed the way we connect computers, phones, PDAs, and other d evices both to each other and to the Internet. Today, Wi-Fi is the most popular wireless local-area networking technology and is now a common feature of many laptops, PDAs, and even cameras.Bluetooth has opened the door to low cost wireless personal-area networks (WPAN). Designed primarily as a cable replacement technology, WPAN systems help you connect with low power requirements at short ranges. WWANs, or wireless wide-area networks, are designed to deliver high bandwidth across large areas. WWANs are already beginning to offer wireless alternatives to cable Internet access and DSL. As a result, these technologies and upcoming technologies have led to hardware no longer being a barrier to the wide use of wireless technologies.

The Hole in the Wall

Today I finally found an apartment to live in, it's not much but what can you expect? I'm still in college so this is all can afford. The apartment is pretty run down, i was cleaning it up the best i could when i discovered a hole in the wall, it had paper stuffed inside it. I pulled all the paper out to find out that the hole travels all the way to the apartment room next door to mine. You have a clear view of the whole apartment, i could easily spy on my neighbour if i really wanted to. At least it's not a big hole i thought to myself, it's about the size of a golf ball. I reached for my phone to check the time. It's 8:20am. I grabbed the paper and forced it back into the little hole and rushed out the door, i was going to be late for class. When classes ended for the day i decided to go straight home, exhausted, i dragged myself into the elevator. The door was starting to close when this young woman was heading quickly for the elevator. I pushed the button to hold the door open for her, she thanked then we stood in silence. I took a glance her way to realize how attractive this woman was, she had long brown hair and gorgeous green eyes, she looked really smart and put together, i couldn't take my eyes off her. When the elevator stopped on my floor i was surprised to see her get off behind me. I walked for my apartment door to find out that this very attractive woman is my neighbour! I walked into my apartment with a huge grin on my face, thrilled that she was living next door. Later on that night my curiosity got the best of me, I had to take a little peek into the hole in the wall to see what my neighbour was up to. Lucky for me i caught her in the middle of changing. I watched her for a few minutes then decided to cover the hole back up, i don't want to push my luck. After i covered the hole up I did my homework and went to bed. I woke up to someone heavy breathing, it was really strange. At first i thought it was in my dreams but then I realized this was real life. It sounded like someone was struggling, gasping for air. And I'm pretty sure it's coming from my neighbours apartment. Completely terrified, i slowly pulled the paper out of the little hole in the wall. I pressed my face up against the wall and let my eyes adjust to the dark. I was completely horrified from what i saw, someone was stabbing my neighbour to death. I must of watch this person stab her a dozen times. Who ever they were really wanted to make sure she was dead that's for sure. I kept as quiet as i could, waiting for the murderer to leave the apartment, hoping to get a look at their face. When the murderer turned to leave i caught a glimpse of their face, it was a man, very tall with a very narrow face with an abnormally large nose. He would be fairly easy to identify if i were ever to see him again. I backed away from the hole and raced for my phone. I was just about to call the police when i realized I couldn't. If i called them I would have to explain that i was spying on my neighbour through a hole in my wall which sounds creepy and also suspicious. So i put my phone down and sat in my bed, trembling and scarred from what i have just seen. I didn't sleep for the rest of the night and decided to leave for school at the crack of dawn so that i wouldn't be around when someone realizes that my neighbour has been killed. I came home late that night to find two policeman outside my apartment. They started to ask me questions about my neighbour and where i was last night. They came inside my house and took a look around and they found the hole in the wall. I explained that i have only been living here a few days and it's clear that there are still some renovations that need to take place. After hours of questions the police left, tired of getting repetitive answers but I'm not going to reveal my secret so i kept with my story. I decided to put it all behind me and try to move on, the first couple nights i had a hard time sleeping but after a week everything was going good. Then again, i woke up to the same noise in the middle of the night, heavy breathing. It was coming from the apartment next door again. This time i completely panicked because there is no one living in that apartment now. It's still all taped off from the crime scene investigation, no one was been in that room other than the police. I found the courage to rise to my feet, my legs quivered as i walked over to the hole in the wall, not knowing what to expect when i remove the paper from it. I took a deep breath a pulled the paper out. I looked through the hole and saw nothing, there was no one there. I backed away from the wall and forcefully ran my fingers through my hair, i think I’m starting to lose my mind. Then i heard the noise again so i turned towards the hole again. There was a wide-open bloodshot eye starring back at me. The hideous unblinking eye starred at me as i crouched to the floor frozen with fear. Then the silence was broken by a woman’s raspy voice saying â€Å"i know you saw.†

The Five Doctrines of Islamic Faith

Axia college The standard beliefs of Islam are identified as theFive Doctrines of Islamic Faith. They are documented as such, the unquestioned unity of God, the belief in the prophets, the recognition of angels, belief in scripture or koran, and belief in the coming of Final Judgment. Islam is built on the five pillars or acts of worship. These FivePillars describe the expected obligations performed by a Muslim follower. These are described as the basic framework for worship in a Muslim life. The five are as follows declaration of faith, prayer, having concern for the needy, self-purification, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Pillar number one is Al-Shahadaor the declaration of faith. The pillar outlines that all followers must announce their faith to enter into Islam in the presence of witnesses. A kep point of this is knowing that Allah is the only one worthy of your worship. Pillar number two is Salat or prayer, which is required of all Muslims once adulthood is established. Prayer is a daily occurance to be exact five timesper day. Prayer lasts five to ten minutes each time. Pillar number three is Zakat or charity. The islam belief is that all prosperity and wealth is only worthy of God, and God’s desire is for Muslims to express generocity in life. Zakat requires the giving of a piece of a persons financial wealth to charity at the conclusion of the year. Pillar number four is Sawm or fasting. Every Muslim is required to fast for Ramadan which falls at month number nine of the muslim calendar. The muslim reasoning for fasting is to cleanse you spiritually and physically as well as focus your attention on spiritual aspects rather than on physical ones. Fasting for Muslims includes refraining from eating or drinking anything as well as having sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk. The last Pillar is Hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca. Every Muslim outside of those who are physically or financially unable, must makethe pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during the course of life. My thought is that the declaration of faith would be the easiest because its a one time pillar that takes a short time. The most challenging would be the fast from dusk to dawn because I would find it difficult to focus all day with no food for 12 hours or so.

Feedback Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Feedback - Essay Example Target marketing is a good opportunity for the company, which will allow in effective execution of plans and comprehension of the customer needs. As such, the return on investment through target marketing is high because the company will have an opportunity to comprehend the nature of business activities and achieve success. Differentiation is a strategy, which will aid the company in achieving success. Such is because the market of Australia is different in terms of economics, politics and cultural activities. Hence, differentiation will facilitate in ensuring that the company has different brands, which receive appraisal from the target markets. Nevertheless, Starbucks may not achieve success if it does not engage in extensive marketing of its brands in the competitive market environment. This is where the company needs to seek subsidiary sellers or intermediary sellers to ensure that its brands reach the market and achieve the best appraisal from customers. These innovative ways w ill create room for the achievement of success for the

Feed Resource Recvery Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Feed Resource Recvery - Research Paper Example The second was the restaurant industry which accounted for about 500 tons of food waste, followed by supermarkets, accounting for around 200 to 400 tons. These are the competitors on the supply chain side who can also turn themselves into CleanTech industry and make a fortune. Now at the industrial level, the biggest and most potential competition for Feed stems from Converted Organics Inc, BlueFire Ethanol, Inc, Disenco Energy PLC, Oakleaf, Rod McLellan Co, and Synargo Technologies. These firms are expert in Organic Soil Additive industry, Green waste management industry, Home power plant manufacturing industry, Recycling equipment manufacturing industry, naturally derived fertilizer manufacturing industry and Residual recycling industry respectively. The best thing about these competitors of Feed is that they are stock listed and already serving a customer base varying from 100,000 to 250,000 customers every year (Zacharakis-Jutz, 2008). Venture capitalists are eager to invest and interested in diversifying their source of income as they can already see the respective industry which Shane wants to enter as a lucrative one. In 2001, the investments made in this sector were only around $500 million to $600 million, which has increased to a staggering $ 2500 to $ 2600 million by 2007 (Zacharakis-Jutz, 2008). Another factor responsible for investors to invest in CleanTech industry is the raising prices of gasoline and fossil fuel around the globe. In this manner, CleanTech’s products seem to be the future of fuel engineering and consumption. Another major factor is the increasing awareness regarding the global warming and impact of industrial waste and carbon emissions on the global weather. With the arrival of CleanTech products, this problem could be solved in an efficient and cheaper manner. Last, but not the least, is consumer markets all over the world are now becoming loyal to those businesses who conduct their business activities with a greener and an eco-friendly strategy (Estes, 2009). Being a venture capitalist, my first and foremost attempt would be to understand how CleanTech industry is unique or which aspects must be considered that make this industry different from others. My second question would be regarding the valuation of the company that I am interested to invest in. By knowing this, I would be able to compare the offered number of shares or equity in the company against the investment I am expected to make. Then, a series of questions focused on different functional costs and operating costs would be there, just to understand the acquisition cost structure that the company will follow. The last part of my interrogation would focus on understanding the person who is asking for investment, as the personality traits also influence decision making skills heavily. I would like to know the background of the entrepreneur, since when he/she has been thinking about this project, what is the vision or success ideas that t hey have in mind, what type of involvement they require from my side in this venture, and when they are going to pay me back my money (Cumming, 2010). Considering the mammoth amount required to build the prototype of the product, it appears that Shan and Ryan’s family will definitely need time to arrange it. In the business world, if an idea is generated by entrepreneurs, it needs to be implemented as soon

Feasibility Study of Hotel in Melbourne CBD Essay

Feasibility Study of Hotel in Melbourne CBD - Essay Example The set up planning and implementation is to be done keeping in view large vision – tenure of at least next five years. Based on the information collected from primary and secondary research on the location of place, market and demand analysis, facilities and benefits provided by the competitors, and the target customers it is highly recommended to start up the hotel with the following features : ïÆ'Ëœ 75 – room, full service hotel ïÆ'Ëœ 50 – 75 standard guest units; inclusive of 4 suites ïÆ'Ëœ Approximately 1,200 square feet of divisible banquet space ïÆ'Ëœ A full service restaurant serving three meals ïÆ'Ëœ 24 hour room service ïÆ'Ëœ 24 hour concierge ïÆ'Ëœ 24 hour reception ïÆ'Ëœ Laundry and dry cleaning facilities ïÆ'Ëœ Currency exchange ïÆ'Ëœ Medical services ïÆ'Ëœ Limousine rent ïÆ'Ëœ Babysitting service ïÆ'Ëœ Quantum Fitness and Health center : The Quantum Fitness houses heated indoor pool, comfortable relaxation area, dry sauna, steam bath, spacious Roman bath, a digital gym and weight room, solarium, heath bar, beauty parlor and hair dressing salon. ïÆ'Ëœ Business Facilities: These are utmost important and plays a pivotal role on attracting a mass of customers at an instance. The business facilities should include one main conference hall seating 100 – 150 people, 5 conference halls with the capacity ranging from 20 – 55 people. Besides, providing all the necessary equipments like projectors, microphones, screens, internet access, fax connection, photocopying facilities and many more. ... 50 - 75 standard guest units; inclusive of 4 suites Approximately 1,200 square feet of divisible banquet space A full service restaurant serving three meals 24 hour room service 24 hour concierge 24 hour reception Laundry and dry cleaning facilities Currency exchange Medical services Limousine rent Babysitting service Quantum Fitness and Health center : The Quantum Fitness houses heated indoor pool, comfortable relaxation area, dry sauna, steam bath, spacious Roman bath, a digital gym and weight room, solarium, heath bar, beauty parlor and hair dressing salon. Business Facilities: These are utmost important and plays a pivotal role on attracting a mass of customers at an instance. The business facilities should include one main conference hall seating 100 - 150 people, 5 conference halls with the capacity ranging from 20 - 55 people. Besides, providing all the necessary equipments like projectors, microphones, screens, internet access, fax connection, photocopying facilities, printing and laminating facilities and many more. The primary segments generating hotel demand in the subject market area include commercial individual (corporate), tour and travel, and group. The proposed hotel should be well positioned to capture its fair share of the leisure, corporate and group markets. Due to the proposed market orientation of the full - service hotel, it is likely to compete to some degree, for corporate business currently accommodated by default in some of the existing hotels located outside of the immediate subject market area. The process involved in performing the market study for establishing a hotel can be categorized

Feminist Political Thought Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Feminist Political Thought - Essay Example God has created her, given her the status of more equal. None can amend that right. It is the woman, in her role and condition as mother, gives protection in the initial nine months in her womb, to the creative force of the nature for perennial continuity of the human race, male or female. But unfortunately, a female child is victimized at every step of life, from the moment of birth, notwithstanding the fact that it is she who sacrifices at those steps. The main disadvantage of the woman is her body. Simone de Beauvoir, an avowed life-long existentialist, presents a different and somewhat confusing picture of human freedom, in which women struggle against the inherent disadvantages of the body, changing contours of her body and bodily functions, and how society casts its impact on this issue. Beauvoir presents female body in both its positive and negative aspects. She considers women partly oppressed and partly free and this condition depends on the disposition of the concerned woma n to the challenges posed by the society, especially the male section of the society. Regarding the status of the body of the woman Beauvoir raises questions, provides answers and again raises questions and finally she finds it difficult to provide the final answer. Her opinions raise conflicting reactions not only for the men but also to women. What is important is her seriousness and earnestness to find an amicable solution to the vexed men-women issue? She sums up her quest and argues, â€Å"Within the given world, it is up to man to make the reign of freedom triumph, to carry off this supreme victory, men and women, must, among other things and beyond their natural differentiations, unequivocally, affirm their brotherhood.†(766) Beauvoir doesn’t visualise much of an issue for the woman on account of her biological conditions. The problem is about the attitude of the woman to such conditions, whether they are positive or negative. She argues, â€Å"But is also true that there are conditions without which the very fact of existence would seem to be impossible. Presence in the world vigorously implies the positing of a body that is both a thing of the world and a point of view on this world: but this body need not possess this or that particular structure.†(24) The observation of Beauvoir regarding the pre-adolescent boys and girls that they are not very different is notable. De Beauvoir points out that pre-adolescent boys and girls are really not very different: they â€Å"have the same interests and the same pleasures† (295). The initial psychological differences between them are relatively negligible. The interference and influence of the flesh brings forth new issues for the feminine gender. The changed conditions give rise to change in perceptions. With each brisk change, her experiences are traumatic and distance her more sharply from the opposite sex. Beauvoir argues about this condition of the female body, â€Å"The young girl feels that her body is getting away from her†¦ on the street men follow her with their eyes and comment on her anatomy. She would like to be invisible; it frightens her to become flesh and to show flesh† (p333).Whether the body is a condition for the woman? In her efforts to find an answer to this question, Beauvoir is both confused and conciliatory about the physical and mental condition of an adolescent girl. She justifies her stand by giving

Art analyze Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Art analyze - Assignment Example The old building has a large door and a fleet of staircase heading to the large door, which suggests a warehouse. In addition, the "Lane with Poplar Trees" by Van Gogh depicts the image of a man standing on a lane with Poplar trees at sunset. The poplar trees are seemingly handy with no leaves, which suggest drought or a dry season. The poplar trees line the lane in a defined pattern heading to a far distance, which manifest the unending tribulations of the dry season. Moreover, the man stands in the middle of the lane in a desperate posture, which depicts the hopelessness at the time. The trees and the grass on the sides are standing still showing the stagnant nature of life in this season. Denotative description refers to the translation of an image to its literal meaning (Bedford, 2014). On the other hand, a connotative description is a symbolic translation of an image to its implied meaning (Bedford, 2014). In this context, we seek to give the denotative and connotative meaning of the Royal Media advertisement image. The denotative description of the Royal Media advertisement image is the word LEGO enclosed in a brown board. The letters are in white and the boundary of word is in black. The brown board propels in the sky. On the other hand, the connotative description of the Royal Media advertisement image, LEGO is a dominant line of construction toys manufactured by The Lego Group. Notably, the LEGO is a private company with its headquarters in Billund, Denmark. An icon may refer to an image that represents an exclusive object, a sacred Christian personage, or a religious piece of art. An icon stands for an object that relates to religious, economic, cultural, or political setting. I think the image below is an icon representing a religious personage, which has a symbolic meaning to many people (Sturken & Cartwright, 2001). The Russian icon of Holy Trinity, which Russian painter Andrei Rublev

Reflective Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Reflective Journal - Essay Example opriate knowledge to gain as there has been increased need to understand how governments align the expectation of the public with regards to healthcare and the ability of such governments to fund these services. With focus on the Australia, it was appreciated that the government, including state and local governments, is the largest sponsor of healthcare services (Armstrong et al., 2007). Out of pocket contributions are also considerable. The private sector contributes minimally to funding for the aged care and health services. In a similar manner, the government largely funds care for the aged, with support from market oriented players, charitable organisations and informal care systems. Therefore, these findings support my earlier postulate that the government largely finances the healthcare services for Australian people. The private sector contributes to a small extent to this course. This indicates how critical healthcare is to the nation that it cannot be risked to the hands of private individuals. However, this could further indicate how great a burden the people of Australia bear in terms of catering for their healthcare and caring for the aged. Whereas it is appreciated that the government is the largest financier of healthcare system, it still sources such funds from the public through taxation. In essence, this means that the people of Australia fund their own healthcare. This gives them the power to demand for better healthcare services including care for the aged. The appreciation of this argument has seen various governments carry out reforms on healthcare management. Such reforms would normally be based on a forecast of future clinical developments. The ‘Tragedy of the Commons’ was a critical analogy to draw example from. This postulated that individual decisions on increasing herds of cattle had common economic cost to the whole community then. As such, individual freedom had communal price to pay, thus the establishment of guidelines to govern

Economics Exchange Rates Commentary Essay Example for Free

Economics Exchange Rates Commentary Essay NEW YORK (Dow Jones)The dollar continued its slide Wednesday, touching its lowest level in 12 months against the euro and flagging against the yen as rising equities battered the greenback yet again. The dollar has lost key legs of support over the past two weeks as encouraging global economic data has led investors to assume more risk and buy higher-yielding assets. With the recession receding and financial markets in recovery, investors have become more confident theres no longer a need to hold their money in a safe-harbor currency like the dollar. Because of the Federal Reserves need to stimulate the economy, the dollars ultra-low interest rates have made it the lowest-yielding major currency. The cost of borrowing U.S. dollars in the London interbank market continued its slide Wednesday. The key three-month London interbank offered rate marked its lowest level since the British Bankers Association first introduced its Libor fixings in 1986. The dollar hit its lowest level against the common currency since September 2008 in New York afternoon trading, with the euro touching a 12-month high at $1.4738. If the euro is able to sustain levels above $1.4720, a key technical level, it could be on a march to $1.50, said Carl Forcheski, vice president for foreign exchange at Societe Generale in New York. The dollars losses were broad, sinking to new 13-month lows against the Australian and New Zealand dollars as well as lows for 2009 versus other widely traded counterparts. The U.K. pound also piggy-backed off the euros gains to advance on the dollar. The yen had been the so-called carry trade currency of choice, but with U.S. interest rates expected to remain feeble until 2010, analysts anticipate the dollar to continue funding riskier bets. A carry trade involves buying a lower-yielding currency to fund purchases of higher-yielding assets. The dollar was also burdened Wednesday by comments from Japans incoming finance minister, Hirohisa Fujii, who said he saw no need to intervene in currency markets to weaken the yen. In the past, the dollar had received support from the belief that Japan would intervene to prevent unwanted appreciation of its currency. Theres no change in my thinking that its not the time to consider foreign-exchange intervention, Fujii said at a news conference. Though he wouldnt rule out intervention in what he termed really abnormal situations, Fujii said the idea that the yen should be cheaper for the sake of [Japans] exporters is wrong. Wednesday afternoon in New York, the euro was at $1.4729 from $1.4667 late Tuesday, according to EBS via CQG. The dollar was at Y90.78 from Y91.06. The euro was at Y133.72 from Y133.60. The U.K. pound was at $1.6506 from $1.6495, while the dollar was at CHF1.0306 from CHF1.0340. U.S. economic data released Wednesday, including as-expected August consumer price index and better-than-expected industrial production numbers, pointed to a continuing recovery, leading stocks to rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 108 points, lending support to the euro and other high-yielders. The dollar looks likely to continue its broad-based slide through the rest of the year, analysts said. As long as the buck doesnt fall too far too fast, dollar weakness is expected in a time of loose monetary policy, said Adnan Akant, a currency specialist at money manager Fischer Francis Trees Watts, a New York unit of BNP Paribas. Right now, the euro and other higher-yielding currencies are reaping the benefits of a global economic turnaround and stock market rallies, but within the next 12 months, the dollar should start benefitting from a recovering U.S. economy, said Wells Fargo analysts. The Canadian dollar ended higher near its strongest levels of the day Wednesday, reflecting another sustained flight into riskier assets like stocks and commodities at the expense of the slumping U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar was trading at C$1.0666 late afternoon, from C$1.0721 late Tuesday. Strong gains for oil, gold and other commodities as well as rising North American equity markets underpinned the Canadian dollars gains, although the currency again failed to mount a serious challenge of its year-to-date high at C$1.0639, achieved in early August. Commentary The article refers to a depreciation of the dollar against major currencies due to â€Å"ultra-low interest rates† and increased risk by investors. The Federal Reserve has been cutting interest rates in an attempt to boost aggregate demand and stimulate the economy. High interest rates in an economy generally encourage investment in that currency as the value of the investment will increase over time. Currently US interest rates set by the Federal Reserve are around 0.25% compared to the European Central Bank’s 1%. Because of this, investors have switched to higher yielding currencies, such as the Euro, and to a lesser extent the Pound, causing a fall in the Dollar’s exchange rate. This is shown in Diagram 1. As the diagram shows, a right shift in the supply of the Dollar leads to a fall in its price relative to the Euro. In addition, the aforementioned cutting of interest rates is an expansionary monetary policy used to manipulate aggregate demand. The trade off of this policy is increased inflation. A high rate of inflation might further decrease investment in Dollar assets as the real value of the investment would decrease over time. During times of economic crisis, investors tend to invest in low risk assets such as generally strong currencies like the dollar. However with signs that the global economy is exiting the recession and in recovery, not only does the demand for safe-harbor currencies like the dollar decrease, but there is an increased demand for high risk investment due to bullish speculation. In addition, some consumers, firms, or foreign central banks might believe that despite the improving economic situation, the Dollar will continue to fall as the article mentions and sell dollar assets. This bearish speculation would further increase the supply of the dollar and perhaps lead to self-fulfilling prophecy. As shown above, the combination of the three factors leads to a sharp fall in the exchange rate. As previously mentioned, this depreciation could cause a self-fulfilling prophecy in which the initial bearish speculation leads to depreciation, which in turn causes more bearish speculation causing the exchange rate to enter a downward spiral. Initially, the Federal Reserve might not intervene but if the depreciation continued, it would be forced to buy back Dollars to counteract the increases in supply. This would slow the depreciation, discouraging people from selling dollars. It might even create bearish speculation as some might assume the dollar market will bottom out and start to appreciate. The depreciation of the Dollar should benefit the US economy by means of an improved current account deficit. Initially, the deficit will worsen as the demand for imports and exports is inelastic in the short run, but eventually the current account balance will improve as US exports become more competitive. US export revenue will increase while expenditure will fall. This improved current account situation will boost AD leading to economic growth. This is shown below in Diagram 3. Diagram 3 However, as the diagram shows, in the long run, there will be the trade off of inflation as AD rises. This might encourage Federal Reserve to strengthen the Dollar to reduce imported cost-push inflation. In addition, the increased demand for US exports will increase the demand for the Dollar causing appreciation. Foreign nations might eventually implement import controls such as tariffs on US goods in order to preserve their own current account balances. Eventually, the Dollar should regain its status as a high-yielding currency [ 1 ]. The value of one currency expressed in term of another [ 2 ]. A period in a business cycle following a recession, during which the GDP rises. [ 3]. Believing that a particular security, a sector, or the overall market is about to rise [ 4 ]. Revenue from the exports of goods and services and income flows is less than the expenditure on the import of goods and services and income flows in a given year

Underdetermination, Instrumentalism and Realism

Underdetermination, Instrumentalism and Realism Understanding Underdetermination in conjunction with realism and instrumentalism The present essay is about the understanding of under determination thesis in conjunction with the realism and instrumentalism. As we know that realism and instrumentalism are two opposite views in philosophy of science, so by explaining the two it would be much easier to grasp the concept of under determination thesis, which is one of complex doctrine. The intended audiences of this essay are science students and people who are interested to know about the philosophical issues in science. I divide the essay into four of parts. The first part explains the realism and instrumentalism concepts, second part explains the under determination thesis in detail and then the third part will state the views of different philosophers about three schools of thoughts. The fourth and the final part conclude the whole argumentation Realism The word realism in the dictionary means the tendency to view or represent things as they really are. [dic]. In philosophy of science it can be defined as â€Å"the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names†. It can be explained as an approach in philosophy that considers objects as they are in the universe as real things and their characteristics as a secondary thing. The advocate of realism are called realist and it is important to differentiate the realists. A person can be realist about the different kinds of things i.e. mountains, physical objects, numbers, universe etc. but in the case of a philosopher, it is required to specify that for what object/thing the philosopher is realist [book]. An American philosopher name Hilary Putnam stated that â€Å"A realist with respect to a given theory holds the following: What makes them true or false is something external that is to say, it is not in general our sense data, actual or potential, or the structure of our minds, or our language, etc. Furthermore he says that the positive argument for realism is that it is the only â€Å"philosophy that does not make the success of science a miracle†. [Book]. Generally, in science established scientific theories are treated as a true fact, but according to realist these theories would be treated as a successful explanation of the whole scientific process or its relation to an object, and not as a whole truth. [Book] An example is that sun, mountains, building etc. exists in this world, but the attributes like length, width, colour etc. are either dependent or independent of the environment. For example the sun is spherical in shape, so it is independent from any material thing of this universe. But in case of a building, its shape and size, all depend upon the person who designed or built it. So it can be said that reality is related to mind and environment. In general, Realism is supposed to be a term that relates to number of subjects i.e. ethics, aesthetics, causation, modality, science, mathematics, semantics etc. When we talk about the realism in the context of science then the intention is to elaborate the scientific realism which has a number of dimensions i.e. metaphysical, epistemological and methodological. Besides this it is also the truth that there is no single version of scientific realism which is being accepted by all the scientific realists. The doctrine of scientific realism states that â€Å" the world studied by science exists and has the properties it does, independently of our beliefs, perceptions, and theorizing; that the aim of science is to describe and explain that world, including those many aspects of it that are not directly observable; that, other things being equal, scientific theories are to be interpreted literally; that to accept a theory is to believe that what it says about the world is true, and that by continually replacing current scientific theories with better ones. Science makes objective progress and its theories get closer to the truth†. Realism has two schools of thought, first one is called Extreme realism, represented by William, a French philosopher; according to him â€Å"universals exist independently of both the human mind and particular things†. The second one is moderate realism and according to which â€Å"universals exist only in the mind of God, as patterns by which He creates particular things†. The main proponent of this view was St. Thomas Aquinas and John of Salisbury. According to epistemological view of realism, things exist in this universe, independent of our understanding or perception. This point is totally opposite to the theory of idealism, which states that â€Å"reality exists only in the mind†. By having a brief explanation of realism, instrumentalism will be discussed, which is the opposite view of realism and most of time called Antirealism. Antirealism is a doctrine that rejects realism, and includes instrumentalism, conventionalism, logical positivism, logical empiricism and constructive empiricism. Instrumentalism Instrumentalism is treated as a doctrine that states â€Å"theories are merely instruments, tools for the prediction and convenient summary of data† [Book]. In other words it can be defined as â€Å"concepts and theories are merely useful instruments whose worth is measured not by whether the concepts and theories are true or false, but by how effective they are in explaining and predicting phenomena†. The point is that in order to make predictions from theories, logic is required, so it can be hard to say theories have no truth values. In view of this instrumentalists admit that theories have truth values, but do not accept this argument that theories should be treated as accurately true. In view of this T.S. Kuhn said that â€Å"Theories may have truth values but their truth of falsity is irrelevant to our understanding of science†. [Book] In other words instrumentalism evaluates the significance of a theory with respect to empirical evidence and did not require the understanding of the actual phenomena. For example Newton gravity model is understandable and working fine, but it has no theoretical foundation [Answer.com] The another aspect of instrumentalism is that it relates closely to pragmatism and this point of view opposes the scientific realism because according to this, theories are more or less true in nature. Moreover, instrumentalism refutes that theories can be evaluated on the basis of truth. Theories will not be perceived as air plane black box which gives output on the basis of observed input. The point is that there should be a clear distinction between theory and observation that further leads to a distinction between terms and statements in each type. Like in science for statement of observation there is a specific meaning for an observable truth, for example if the litmus paper is red, so the observation terms have their meaning fixed by their referring to observable things or properties, e.g. red. Theoretical statements have their meaning fixed by their function within a theory and arent truth evaluable, e.g. the solution is acidic, whereas theoretical terms have their meaning fixed by their systematic function within a theory and dont refer to any observable thing or property, e.g. acidic. Though you may think that acidic refers to a real property in an object, the meaning of the term can only be explained by reference to a theory about acidity, in contrast to red, which is a property you can observe. Statements that mix both T-terms and O-terms are therefore T-statements, since their totality cannot be directly observed†. There is some criticism of this distinction, however, as it confuses non-theoretical with observable, and likewise theoretical with non-observable. For example, the term gene is theoretical (so a T-term) but it can also be observed (so an O-term). Whether a term is theoretical or not is a semantic matter, because it involves the different ways in which the term gets its meaning (from a theory or from an observation). Whether a term is observable or not is an epistemic matter, because it involves how we can come to know about it. Instrumentalists contend that the distinctions are the same, that we can only come to know about something if we can understand its meaning according to truth-evaluable observations. So in the above example, gene is a T-term because, although it is observable, we cannot understand its meaning from observation alone. The explanation of realism and instrumentalism above has provided us the capability to understand the topic with much insight. Now, I switch to under determination thesis. From the above discussion we have the knowledge that instrumentalism is related to pragmatism and this point of view is in contrasts with the scientific realism, which states that theories are often more or less true. Here, I refer to Quine, who said that theories can be underdetermined by all possible observations [23], and Newton Smiths, treat this as a threat to realism. He said, realism in his sense has to be rejected if there can be cases of under determination of theories. Under determination As we know that under determination is a thesis that is â€Å"used in the discussion of theories and their relation to the evidence that is cited to support them†.[1] Arguments from under determination are used to support epistemic relativism by claiming that there is no good way to certify a theory based on any set of evidence. A theory is underdetermined if, given the available evidence, there is a rival theory which is inconsistent with the theory that is at least as consistent with the evidence. Moreover, under determination is treated an epistemological issue about the relation of evidence to conclusions. Historical background The subject gets its first attention by Renà © Descartes, a French philosopher and mathematician in the 17th century. He presented two arguments related to under determination. â€Å"While dreaming, perceived experiences (for example, falling) do not necessarily contain sufficient information to deduce the true situation (being in bed)†.[2] As we know that it is not always possible for a person to separate dreams from reality and the theory that what is real or dream at a certain time is underdetermined. The second argument of Descartess is called demon argument â€Å"which is a variant of the dream argument that posits that all of ones experiences and thoughts might be manipulated by a very powerful being (an evil demon) that always deceives. Once again, so long as the perceived reality appears internally consistent to the limits of ones limited ability to tell, the situation is indistinguishable from reality, one cannot logically determine between correct beliefs from being misled; this is another version of under determination†.[2] The second person who talks about under determination was David Hume, who does not use the word under determination specifically but an argument about the problem of induction. I will discuss the induction later in the essay while explaining the under determination types. The Under determination thesis gets the recognition in the twentieth century through the work of Thomas S. Kuhn, who is a famous theoretical physicist and philosopher. He was very much prominent due to his work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions that offered an alternative to linear models of scientific progress. According to Kuhn the under determination has a place to for argumentation against theories in the philosophy of science, and scientific realism. According to Khun the under determination can be divided into two types the weak and strong under determination. The both could be stated in the following words: Weak underdetermined is that the currently available evidence is not sufficient to prove the argument, but some evidence that will be available in the future might do this. Strong underdetermined is to claim that it is principally impossible to get evidence that could fully resolve the argument between the opponent theories. Besides strong and weak underdetermined theory there are two other attributes called deductive and inductive under determination. The two rival theories could be deductively underdetermined when the available evidence does not completely deny either theory. The theory is inductively underdetermined when theories are compatible with the available evidence, but still tries to determine, which theory could be a better failure A weak under determination can turn to a strong one if it avoids the attainment of future evidence that turns it into deductive under determination. A counter argument is that it is not possible for a theory to be accurately strong and inductive. In general weak under determination arguments are focused on the availability of evidence for an explicit set of theories, and strong under determination mostly entails common epistemological arguments that relates to the type of evidence and its viability for a particular or general theory. Furthermore, it is generally acknowledged that all theories are weakly underdetermined, but in case of some specific purpose all theories are strongly underdetermined. Explaining the types of under determination thesis, Ludan said that â€Å"for any finite body of evidence, there are indefinitely many mutually contrary theories, each of which logically entails the evidence†. So in other words it can be said that deductive under determination is under determination of selecting theory through a logical method. Finally, the term under determination as thesis is associated with two respectable names Pierre Duhem and W.V. Quine in philosophy of science, â€Å"that neither the truth nor the falsity of any scientific theory is determined by evidence†. According to Duhem-Quine Under determination is a â€Å"relation between evidence and theory. More accurately, it is a relation between the propositions that express the (relevant) evidence and the propositions that constitute the theory. Evidence is said to underdetermine theory†. From the above it can be said that evidence is not enough to prove the theory, belief or truth. Moreover, only the availability of evidence is not enough to make the theory a credible one. In view of this we can call the first argument a deductive and the second inductive under determination. Hence, according to under determination thesis, both arguments have required some definite epistemic proposition, and belief in a theory could not be justified on the basis of evidence. For under determination types, Duhem, also said that â€Å"logic alone cannot take us from the falsification of a prediction to a refutation of an isolated hypothesis. Importantly, deductive under determination does not mean that theory choice is underdetermined, nor does it mean that there is more than one reasonable conclusion given certain experimental evidence†. Up until now we have a basic understanding of the under determination thesis, so now I will discuss what realism actually is, the theoretical frame and the origin of the concept. Another argument against scientific realism, deriving from the under determination problem, is not as historically motivated as these others. It claims that observational data can in principle be explained by multiple theories that are mutually incompatible. Realists counter by pointing out that there have been few actual cases of under determination in the history of science. Usually the requirement of explaining the data is so exacting that scientists are lucky to find even one theory that fulfils it. Furthermore, if we take the under determination argument seriously, it implies that we can know about only what we have directly observed. For example, we could not theorize that dinosaurs once lived based on the fossil evidence because other theories (e.g., that the fossils are clever hoaxes) can account for the same data. Realists claim that, in addition to empirical adequacy, there are other criteria for theory choice, such as parsimony. In particular, it must not be confused with what Newton-Smith takes to be a minimal common factor among the wide range of philosophers who in recent years have advocated a realist construal of scientific theories. This common factor consists of the following theses: (1) Scientific theories are either true or false and which a given theory is, it is in virtue of how the world is, (2) If a theory is true, the theoretical terms of the theory denote theoretical entities which are causally responsible for the observable phenomenon whose occurrence is evidence for the theory, (3) We can have warranted beliefs (at least in principle) concerning the truth values of theories, (4) The historically generated sequence of theories of a mature science may well be a sequence of false theories but it is a sequence in which succeeding theories have greater truth-content and less falsity content than their predecessors. We may refer to (1) as the objectivity, (2) as the causality, (3) as the decidability, and (4) as the convergence of scientific theories. Newton-Smith uses the name realism for the combination of these four theses, and he also seems to hold that this is the standard use of the term. It is clear that theoretical realism in the weakest sense entails neither objectivity, nor causality, nor decidability, nor convergence. In particular, some theoretical propositions may be true even if no scientific theory as a whole is either true or false. Moreover, it is doubtful whether realism in Newton-Smiths sense entails theoretical realism. For example, if all theoretical propositions are false, then theoretical realism is false, but realism in Newton-Smiths sense might still be true. In any case, one of Newton-Smiths main theses is that realism in his sense has to be rejected if there can be cases of under determination. In particular, he claims that either objectivity or decidability has to be weakened if under determination can occur to give up decidability is what he calls the ignorance response (to under determination). This involves embracing the possibility of inaccessible facts facts concerning whose obtaining we could have no information. To give up objectivity is what he calls the arrogance response. This amounts to holding that if we cannot know about something there is nothing to know about. 36 Notice, that this holds only for under determination in Newton-Smiths sense, i.e. under determination by all possible data. It does not hold for the other kinds of under determination mentioned above. In other words, it is only when an underdetermined theory is empirically viable that we cannot know that it is true or that it is false (either because it is neither true nor false, or because we cannot know, even in principle, what its truth value is). In general, we cannot have under determination (of any kind) together with empirical viability, objectivity, and decidability. If a theory is underdetermined, we cannot know that it is true. This I accept. At first, it appears that Quine would not accept this. He holds that there may be two best total theories which are empirically viable and incompatible, but that we may know, at least in principle, that one of them is true and the other false. However, it seems that Quine is then using true and false in a non-realistic sense; according to him, to call a statement true is just to reaffirm it. He does not seem to assume that there is some objective reality, the world, such that the truth of a statement consists it its correspondence with this reality. Hence, presumably he would reject the objectivity thesis which is part of realism in Newton Smiths sense. Realism/Anti-realism Given the various epistemological difficulties (under determination, problem of induction, rationality, social forces), and the lack of a consensus on these issues, why should we think that our theories are actually describing reality? The apparently large gap between observational and theoretical knowledge inspires worry about realism Metaphysical difficulties come into play here as well—we do not have good understandings of the nature of laws and causation, explanation, so how can we claim that we are discovering the nature of the universe?

The Feldip Hills :: essays research papers

The Feldip hills...a vast and unforgiving wilderness riddled with treacherous swamps, vicious wolves and the occasional brutish ogre. But the feldip hills are also home to more mundane creatures. Deep in a valley far south of the high walls of yanille and gu-tanoth there was a nomadic settlement. All tents made from ragged and stained fabrics. These tents were in a circle with a larger tent at the centre and the embers of a fire smoked in front of its doorway as a dim sun rose and an oily orange filled the valley, light filtered through thick black clouds. A great scream broke the silence in the camp from a tent close to the fire. A great and bloated ogre woman lay heaving on a bed of wolf skins a bearded man besides her trying to utter words of comfort and reassurance. The shrill cries woke the rest of the tribe and many people filled the musty tent. For hours and hours she lay in labor and the man beside he began to despair. Many more hours past and at midday began to cough blood onto the dusty floor beside her before finally letting go of life. The baby was born healthy and strong but motherless in a sad twist of fate. His father sat by the campfire one night cradling him in an oxen hide blanket beside the chief. "You see Yarnok; this is what happens when ogres and humans mix it only leads to sadness and lost lives." "Ogres and humans simply don't mix you must understand this." "Nay Giron she was not like the others she had compassion and honor." In the next valley a group of ogres were gathered around a crudely constructed camp fire, one addressed the others. "Im ungry Grot I wants some meats" "Shut up ur fat mouth you, we can all av umies wen we find wer dey av been iding." "Bu I is starvin an I cant wait tha lung, he grunted" "I sed one more peep outa u and its wulf fuud" The Ogres eyes darted and he took a swing at Grot with his oversized fist, knocking Grot down into the fire. The ca mp filled with the rank smell of burning ogre flesh and fat. They came in the night across the hill lead by Skrop. "U ther" he grunted U get the stabers and u get the suutas, we huntin humies tonight nut chompys.

Terrorism - Its Time to Stop the War :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

It's Time to Stop the War Military measures intended to support the arrest of a terrorist have turned into a large-scale attack on several of the poorest countries in the world, as well as on their populations, which is tormented by hunger and poverty and threatened by uprooting and death. As little as the gap between rich and poor in the world was the cause of the murderous attack on Sept.11, all the more are the attacks against Afghanistan and the Philippines are deepening this gap and thereby multiplying reasons to hate the West and its civilization. In the future the West will be less identified with its best qualities, with democracy, a constitutional order and prosperity than with its shadowy sides, with a lack of respect, arbitrary acts and violence. With every bomb that falls and every western soldier who kills on Afghan soil, the rich part of this world closes its eyes to the suffering of the peoples in the south. Even the apparent successes presently do not change this. With its offensive the West is not only undermining the idea of a collective legal effort to counteract terror, but is also betraying its own principles. In the final analysis this undeclared war is no longer being waged to combat terrorism but rather to preserve a reputation of military invincibility. Finally, with every day that war is waged there and with every new security law passed here (in the western world) , that very freedom which is supposedly being defended is threatened and those refugees, who are the products of this military action and its consequences, are marginalized. On September 11, not only did thousands of people suffer an agonizing death, but even western civilization suffered a defeat. Those murdered in the attack will not be restored to life through the war against the Taliban.

Tupac is Alive, Not Dead Essay -- Tupac Shakur 2pac Makaveli

In the same fashion that Elvis defined Rock ‘n’ Roll; Tupac Shakur defined the hip-hop music scene, as we know it today. What made Tupac (also known as 2Pac, or Makaveli) so special were his enormous talent, his on screen friendly looks, and the sense that he was â€Å"real† and talked the talk, while walking the walk. Tupac was born on June 16, 1971, Tupac Amaru Shakur. He was named after Tupac Amaru, the Inca Indian that was sentenced to death by the Spaniards. He was originally from Brooklyn, New York. Tupac spent a lot of time moving around as he was growing up. He was the son of a Black Panther activist Afeni Shakur and Billy Garland. Tupac moved from Harlem, to Baltimore, to Oakland. The constant moving caused Tupac to fit into his new communities by joining gangs, and his lengthy rap sheet was created even before his profalic entry into music and film. He was arrested eight times before even turning twenty (MTV.com).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tupac’s first big break came when he joined the group Digital Underground as a dancer and roadie. During that time, Tupac spent a lot of the time composing his own poetry and lyrics to launch his own career. In 1991 he signed with Interscope records and a year later he released his first album 2Pacalypse Now, which immediately landed him   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   into â€Å"gangster† rap stardom. That year he also starred in Juice with Omar Epps and Samuel L. Jackson. It was the beginning to a bright acting career, which also landed him parts in other urban and African American oriented films such as Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Bullet (1996), and Gridlock’d (1996). His main notoriety was through music, and he followed up his successful debut with Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. (1993), which also was a success. In 1995 he released Me Against the World, and in 1996 came All Eyez On Me (Smith 15-18).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Shakur’s post celebrity run-ins with the law were almost as frequents as when he was growing up. In 1992 he was arrested when a stray bullet killed a six-year old child during a scuffle between Shakur and two others. The charges were later dropped. In 1993 Tupac was arrested for allegedly shooting two off duty Butts County Atlanta police officers who were harassing a black motorist, but the charges were again dropped. Ironically one of the officers was shot in the... ...re are many people that believe everything they have to say. For example take Bill Clinton, our own President; he stood up and lied straight to all of us saying he never committed adultery. And then what about Watergate? And we elect these people into office to govern us. I cannot believe the media, they only tell what they get from the government, a system that lies and cheats its way through.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I still believe that he is alive. I believe in all of the evidence that I have suggested that he some how in some way faked his own death. I believe that Tupac, his family and some presumably well-paid, official looking stand- ins have conspired to pull of the ultimate scam. But is it really a scam? A scam to gain what? There is still a multi- million-dollar life insurance policy out there with Tupac’s name on it. It’s been six years and no one has bothered to cash it. I will tell you why. He had a reason to believe that his life was in danger, and he had to do something to take care of it. Besides haven’t you ever been curious about who would show up at your funeral, and who would really be crying? Tupac was curious, but he never had a funeral, so his questions may never be answered

Health Care Regulatory Agencies Paper Essay

Health care regulatory agencies supervise professional of the health care profession such as physicians, hospitals, and labs. Providing information in regards to changes in health care along with ensuring the safety and legal compliance and the quality of services provided to the public is the duty assigned to the agency. These agencies can range from the federal, all the way to the local level with the task of establishing rules and regulations for the health care industry to follow. The supervision of these is imperative. Fields of expertise range from disease control, health care providers, to food and drug. These different agencies are all housed under the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is the agency that will be analyzed in this paper. The FDA or Food and Drug administration is the oldest agency in the federal government of the U. S. This scientific, regulatory, and public health agency supervises items in the market that account for one fourth of every dollar spent by consumers. Earlier duties involved doing chemical analysis of farming products back in 1862 when it was known as the Department of Agriculture. In 1930 this department was renamed to the name that the public recognizes presently. The governing role started with the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, this law banned interstate trading in contaminated and incorrectly labeled food and drugs. The enforcement of this law was headed by Chief Chemist Harvey Washington Wiley. As of today, the agency now employs over 10,000 that is made up of pharmacists, physicians, veterinarians, lawyers, microbiologists, chemists and pharmacologists. These were the starting blocks of consumer protection that would later evolve in to the regulatory laws that we presently abide by. The responsibilities over the years have been modified, to keep up with changes in politics, culture, and the economy. Its power of influence includes most food products (with the exception of poultry and meat), animal and human medication, therapeutic agents of biological origin, medical instruments, radiation-emitting products for consumer, medical, and professional use, toiletries, make-up, and animal food (FDA, 2009). Agency scientists review applications for new human and animal drugs, infant formulas, food and color additives, and complex medical devices. Also, the FDA monitor s the transport, storage, import, manufacture, and sale of about $1 trillion worth of products annually (FDA, 2009). States utilized the primary control over nationally produced and distributed goods and drugs in the 19th century. The control that was administered was conflicting from state to state. The Vaccine Act of 1813, though brief, was the first federal law that addressed buyer protection and medication for the public. At such federal power was restricted to medicine and foods that were brought in. With advancement in the field of science, fraudulent acts like manufacturing contaminated food were easier to identify. Drug companies had developed techniques that made medicine less potent but more beneficial by cutting the drug with just about anything. The meat packing industry was also exposed for its sickening situation. These dishonest and unsafe practices prompted the driving force that lead to both a meat inspection law and a comprehensive food and drug law . President Roosevelt passed in to law The Food and Drug Act in June of 1906. Under this act guidelines were established to the labeling of products. Drugs could not be sold unless it met the standard defined in the United States Pharmacopoeia and the National Formulary. If there was a difference from the norm it should be stated on the label. Foods were not subjected to the same similar standards, however the law banned the addition of any component that would alternate the food, cover up damage, create a health risk, or amount to a dirty or decayed substance. The FDA is made up of seven centers: the National Center for Toxicological Research Organization, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Organization, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Organization, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Organization, Center for Tobacco Products Organization, Center for Veterinary Medicine Organization, and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health Organization. Impact On the FDA website there are sections that house the important information pertaining to pet safety and health, safety information and problems with human health products, and food safety. There are also press releases by the various industries and the FDA on recalls of different products. There was a recent ruling that made the media headlines that shows how important the rulings of the FDA are to the public. On March 18, 2010 new rules were announced that have a strict impact on the way that the tobacco industry can sell and market smokeless products and cigarettes. In particular the advertising that targets the nation’s youth population. That law that takes effect on June 22, prevents the FDA from prohibiting tobacco or nicotine, but it gives the agency infinite authority to control the ingredients in tobacco products and the way they are marketed, distributed and sold (Lyndsey, 2010). Companies will no longer be able to sponsor events that involve entertainment or sports among other things. Federal punishment for violators varies from penalties to warnings. This has been an ongoing battle since 1996 when the FDA tried to crack down on the advertising but the industry fought back in court and won. They accused the agency of stepping outside the bounds of their authority.

Tears of blood

The drink just lies upon the smooth, flat, varnished table where the suns reflection casts an eerie shadow of the ice, cold drink. If you glance closely, the water condensation slowly, slides, straight down the can leaving a puddle of water behind. To you this may seem like an ordinary alcoholic drink, but for one girl it is her deepest fears come true†¦ â€Å"I'm floating†¦I'm soaring†¦over beautiful fresh, green fields and past busy cities. The wind is carrying me to my dreams on the horizon. The world is spinning below me, such beauty from above. I'm floating†¦ I'm soaring†¦ through the soft, duvet of white clouds. The world, in all its pollution, poverty and corruption, is still beautiful. Which means, I'm beautiful behind my scars and faults and insecurities†¦ yes†¦ I am still beautiful.† She sat on the edge of her blue-patched bed, thinking, â€Å"This is my sanctuary†. For those few moments of silence going through her mind, she felt nothing could destroy this utterly perfect feeling. Nothing, nothing could bring her down from her holy, heights of freedom. â€Å"I am air. I am nobody. I am free.† But, to her sudden horror, † What†¦ I don't understand† She started jerking back to the cold, hostility, of real life. † Good-morning to you all, on this fine Thursday. The suns out and the birds are singing. So why not win a chance of a lifetime†¦ 2 weeks in Italy just ring up†¦0800800958†³ She suddenly remembered her dream, and that word, dream, haunts her. â€Å"It was just a dream, everything is only ever a dream.† She thought as she sighed, and looked around to what her life was. A tiny room, with just about enough space to stand up in, but to her that wasn't important this was her sanctuary. She comes up here everyday and locks herself in her room, crying, trying to run away from all the evil and betrayals, which go on downstairs. After a few moments, she slowly managed to drag herself out of bed and stumble into the bathroom. The lingering embrace of sleep pulled down her eyelids as she looks in the mirror. ‘Another morning, another day gone by' she thought. â€Å"TAMICA!† shrilled a woman in her late forties. â€Å"Yes, mother†¦Ã¢â‚¬  she replied. â€Å"If you don't bloody hurry up you'll be late for school, and don't expect me to be home when the school rings wondering where you are. By the way, it's your responsibility to make sure your so called father does not leave the house drunk with the car keys and make sure all the back doors are locked when you come back from school, I don't want your father making a show of himself, understood?† â€Å"I'll see, depends init†¦' she replied with a since of insecurity. † What on earth to you mean I'll see, you do what ever I say or do not except food in the evening. It is your fault he drinks anyway.† By that time, she had, had enough. Tamika knew if see opened her mouth anymore she just end up crying first thing in the morning. So she hurried downstairs and walked out the house without any breakfast. With her head down throughout the entire journey from home to school, thinking about how possibly it could be her fault her father drinks himself stupid everyday†¦ Time passed by so fast that before and she knew it, it was three o'clock. She slowly walked through the quiet, dark streets dreading what would happen to her when she got home. As she got closer, and closer before she reached the two lion statues outside what seemed to be a peaceful, loving home. It seemed to her that the lions were protectors of her home. They sit outside day in day out protecting the house from predators, except what they do not know is that the predators are already inside waiting for a piece of innocent flesh. She bravely built up the courage to turn the hard, cold key to open the front door. Then, all of a sudden she could hear the taunt of the piano in the background, and fearful greenish liquid took over her body like adrenaline. It started feet first moving slowly and painfully up her spine, sending shivers to her brain. She opened her eyes, to find broken glass and cutlery all over the kitchen floor, and there in the far distance was her father. He was five foot five with white hair with a big beer belly. From the far distance, he looked perfectly normal but as she took a step closer she could see the cold can of beer in his hand and beside him lay a mountain of empty cans. She looked around at mess†¦ â€Å"I can't take it, I have had enough†¦aaaaarrrrrrggg!† She slowly tried walking towards the stairs, trying ever so hard not to be noticed by the predator. She had to be quiet as a mouse, but at the same time as, sly as a fox. She took one giant leap up. She could feel the stairs changing into what seemed to be an escalator and it was going up! She took a looked up only to find she could see soft duvet of velvet clouds covering the suns rays. This leaded to her sanctuary. She took one long, hard glimpse down at the broken home. Inside her dimly lit room she sat numbly listening to the soft sounds coming from her radio. So much emotions and thoughts were playing through Tamikas mind. All the horrible things her mother said about her to her face and behind her back, and just looking at her father like that everyday, tops it up. Her friend's dogs were better parents then they wear. A small crystal clear tear fell down her left cheek. She knew what she had to do to get ride of such pain and emotion. She went to the cupboard, slowly opened the first draw and hidden on top were no one could see was a dull, dirty, dark brown magnet†¦ but it was not the magnet, which would release all the pain, it was underneath the magnet that was so important. A small, shimmering, sharp blade just lay there. How can such a small object cause such pain in the world? Tamica stared, silently at the blade. With no thought to what she was doing the sharp lustrous edge slid, smoothly into her pale skin she watched absent-mindedly as a steady dribble of cherry red blood drawled gradually down the side of her wrist. As she pushed the blade in deeper, the stream of blood quickly intensified. The surge of anguish caused her to cringe. A chorus of words went through her mind†¦ â€Å"Pain, Pain, go away, Let me smile for just one day, Should that day I never see, Let my blood run cold and free† With each new drop, the circle of blood grew proving that she was serious. There were now six cuts her wrists each as deep as each other, and only millimetres apart. Her blood- stained fingers reached for the once shiny, silver blade, which was now covers in dark blood. She contemplated her next move. She pressed with the strongest amount of force she had inside her. This had given her more blood and pain then the others, but the scars were massive and impossible to conceal. After a few minutes the bloody blade broke through her skin slowly and a new thick red line quickly appeared. A wave of relief gushed through her body and escaped through her disfigured wrist. She laid back closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of complete relief. All her emotions and thoughts cleared. But nevertheless she knew this sensation would be over in a matter of seconds. She would have trouble walking tomorrow, but Tamica never thought that far ahead. As she gazed down at her disfigured limb, she was revolted, repulsed and ashamed that she could do such a thing. Then as she continued to stare another feeling had surface. The feeling of pride. She swiped the area where the blood was now drying and watched in astonishment as fresh cherry red blood drizzled from her open wounds. A renewed sense of relief consumed her. She had been cutting for so long now that she had lost sight of reality. She no longer controlled the blade, but the blade control her†¦

Locked in the Cabinet

Written by the 22nd Labor Secretary of the United States Robert Reich, Locked in the Cabinet appears to be written with noble goals and intentions. That is, â€Å"to bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor.† Robert Reich is a friend of former United States President Bill Clinton for 25 years and ended having extremely opposing views. He turned out to be a disillusioned member of Clinton’s cabinet. He pointed out the failure of Clinton’s administration to fulfill its intended aims and roles for the benefit of its constituents. The book was packaged like a journal with entries with their specific dates. The journal was dated on the four year span of the first term of Bill Clinton. The book displays a fragmentary-like form of a daily account with the specified time when the event occurred. In this book, he used a string of metaphors to present his points in a creative way, perhaps. In the book, Clinton was treated with hesitation. Reich did not deliberately stated â€Å"President Bill Clinton† in the book. He would refer to a certain â€Å"Bill† who, he said, his longtime friend. He was, perhaps, also considering their friendship while criticizing the leadership of his very own close friend. It is commendable that Reich aims for bridging the gap between the rich and poor. He stressed his being a liberal who has always been ready to fight for the rights of their constituents. For him, being liberal is giving an individual his rights. He stressed the importance of giving such because it is the main role and function of the government, anyway. As a liberal labor secretary, he advocated the rights of every worker especially their right for a wage increase. He even tried to convince company owners and manufacturers not  to use their powers against the striking workers. These workers are just airing their rights and sentiments, in the first place. Pertaining to the legitimate role and functions of the government in a private enterprise economy, he stressed out the role of the government on giving the outright benefits that a worker should have. He pushed for wage increase among the workers in the United States. He stressed the importance of some sort of â€Å"government intervention† in pushing for the rights of the workers. Even if Clinton is his longtime and close friend, it did not stop him in voicing out his criticisms towards Clinton’s unsatisfactory leadership through his book. He said that Clinton’s administration did not know what should be prioritized and seemed to forget what the purpose of his coming to Washington. He related that Clinton had the leadership but did not have the enough courage to take effect what is best for the people. But then, his disappointment over Clinton’s policies and administration has always been overshadowed by his affection towards his longtime friend. He views contemporary American policies as a â€Å"disaster† which does not actually respond to the actual needs of their constituents. He bluntly criticized everything he thinks not in the right place. I totally agree with his concept of liberalism. He cares for the â€Å"liberation† of every individual’s rights. He put forth the importance of giving everyone of what is due to him. As a statesman, it just right for him to have the heart for the oppressed and not for the oppressor. He has showed concern for the advantage of the people. It is just that he was â€Å"locked in the cabinet.† He implied that limitations of being a member of a cabinet. It might appear that cabinet members have all the power to take effect pro-people policies and actions, but then, they are subjected to the bureaucracy’s approval. He used many underlying themes in his book. This somewhat gave a twist on the sharp opinions that he wants to present. He admitted that he is indeed a frustrated secretary who wished that everyone would hear his and the society’s plight. Reich’s book is really informative. It is amazing how he is able to present such controversial revelations given that Clinton is his very close friend. He presented his point bravely leaving no missed point behind. I guess he just showed an objective setting of the situation of Clinton’s administration and the United States government system in general, particularly to the labor sector. With no doubt, he showed, through his book, his deep concern for people. On the other hand, the book, behind its impressing underlying themes, also received criticisms, perhaps from those who were behind the administration of Clinton. They claimed that Reich’s work was just like a fictional work and even claimed that it is a mere propaganda. They added that Reich’s claim were not realistic at all. Well, I guess, they just have to see the bigger picture. I believe that Reich has noble goals and aims as he presented his points in the book. Undeniably, Reich’s book deserves a commendation. He did his work well as the labor secretary fighting for the workers’ rights. People in the government should get a copy of his book immediately. Reference: Reich, R. (1997). Locked in the Cabinet (1st ed.). Norwalk, CT: Easton Press.                     

Writing Narrative

IMPLEMENTING PICTURE SERIES TO IMPROVE TENTH GRADE STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN WRITING NARRATIVE TEXTS AT MABI PROGRAM OF MAN 3 MALANG A Thesis by Fifin Naili Rizkiyah (Nim 20622140128) State University of Malang, Faculty of Letters, English Department, July 2010 Nowadays, English is becoming more and more important. English is a global language which many people all over the world speak English as first or second languages. Many countries include English as the subject taught in educational institution. English is a key to open the door of science, technology, economics and culture.In Indonesia, our government has made a policy on the school curriculum that English is taught as a compulsory subject. As stated in Pusat Pembinaan & Pengembangan Bahasa in 1984 (in Marhum, 2009:3), on December 12, 1967, the Minister of Education issued Decree No 096/1967, stipulating English as the first foreign language to be taught in Indonesian schools. Based on KTSP (Kurikulum Tingkat Satuan Pen didikan= School Based Curriculum), the instructional objective of English is that the mastery of four language skills; they are listening, reading, speaking, and writing.Language skills are classified into receptive and productive skills. Receptive skill includes listening and reading while productive skill includes speaking and writing. Productive skills are obviously more difficult than the receptive. Widiati and Cahyono (2006:139) state that writing is the most complex skill compared to the other three skills. Some students often complained about how difficult it is to write in a foreign language, even Blanchard and Root (2003:1) state that writing can be difficult even in your language.In a new language, writing can be even more difficult. Students often got stuck in expressing their ideas into written texts. They also had problems with the language use. Those problems are faced by students of 10th MABI program MAN 3 Malang which is the subject in this study. To solve the studen ts’ problem in writing, the researcher decided to conduct a classroom action research applying picture series as a strategy to improve the students’ ability in writing narrative texts.The study is to find out how picture series strategy is implemented in improving 10th grade students’ ability in writing narrative text. The writing activities were to giving a model of how to write a paragraph of narratives including teaching students generic structures of narrative and training students to write a paragraph of narrative by using picture series. As the warm-up activity, the researcher did brainstorming in order to raise the students’ readiness and eagerness to write. Then the researcher comes to training stage, which is the process of writing.And the students’ final products are assessed based on the scoring rubrics made. The procedures of implementing picture series in teaching writing are as follows: 1. Brainstorming (asking some questions related to the topic to be discussed to elicit the students’ ideas) 2. Discussing flow-chart text containing communicative purpose, rhetorical structure, and grammatical pattern of the text 3. Distributing the pictures series 4. Prewriting (listing topics, identifying objects and action verbs in the pictures) 5.Outlining (making outline; making sentences representing every picture in the picture series) 6. Drafting 7. Polishing (revising and editing) The research design was a collaborative action research which consisted of two cycles, in where cycle 1 consisted of two meetings and cycle 2 consisted of four meetings. A cycle consisted of four steps namely: planning the action, acting on the plan, observing the action and reflecting on the observation. The subject of the study was the 21 students of X MABI MAN 3 Malang in the academic year of 2009/2010.The instruments used to collect data were observation checklist, field notes, questionnaires, scoring rubrics and the students’ writings. The data from the observation, scoring rubrics and questionnaires were analyzed and the results are presented in the form of tables and description, while the data gained from the field notes and the students’ writings were analyzed and reported descriptively. The result of the study showed that the picture series effectively improved the students’ ability in writing narrative texts.All students had reached the minimum score of 3 in all aspects; organization, diction, and language use. Moreover, the majority of the students gave positive responses towards the implementation of picture series, in the case that 70% of the students showed excitement. Furthermore, they found that picture series is interesting, easy to understand, moreover, it helped them to organize paragraphs and develop ideas in writing narrative texts. Here are the mean scores of the students’ writings in each category. Cycle 2 collaborative Cycle 2 individual Cycle 1 Preliminary study In conclusion, picture series can be implemented to improve the students’ ability in writing narrative text at MABI program of MAN 3 Malang. Picture series was very helpful to develop the students’ ideas and creativity. The students enjoyed the writing activity implementing picture series because it was interesting, fun, and not boring. It is suggested that the teacher use the picture series in teaching writing since it can solve students’ problems in writing. It is also suggested that other researchers conduct other researches that apply picture series in other skills and genres.

Will offering work-life balance programs result in positive outcomes Essay

Will offering work-life balance programs result in positive outcomes for organisations and for employees - Essay Example Work-life balance programs vary widely depending on organisational policy and include such programs as flextime, telecommuting, paternity leave and even job sharing. These programs are implemented so that the organisation can demonstrate a solid commitment to improving employee relations and to allow employees to balance their personal demands with job role obligations. Work-life policies, in most instances, provide exceptionally positive outcomes for the organisation and employees who make use of the availability of these programs, including employee motivation, increased employee commitment, cohesive organisational cultures and reduced employee turnover that satisfies cost control issues at the organisation. The outcomes of work-life balance programs Positive outcomes associated with work-life balance programs can be attributed to social exchange theory, a psychological supposition that human relationships are founded on reciprocal actions and mutual negotiations between two or mor e parties (Emerson 1976). Social exchange theory posits that employees will repeat an action if they find they are rewarded for the behaviour (Robbins, Chatterjee and Canda 2011). Work-life programs are established by organisational leaders in an effort to provide incentives for employees to provide superior effort and motivation. As a result of this reward, employees respond by exerting maximum effort even when the job role involves an intensification of work responsibilities (Kelliher and Anderson 2010). Hence, there is a quantifiable set of positive psychological outcomes under social exchange theory that provides superior return on investment, in terms of increased productivity and motivation, to the employer. Also at the psychological level, work-life balance programs provide greater employee satisfaction which provides the incentive for employees to be more productive. Having some level of personal control over an employee’s working conditions is considered very valuabl e to workers that engage with these programs (Kelliher and Anderson 2010). It is recognised in research studies that when an employer provides workers with workplace autonomy, it is positively linked to job satisfaction (Emery and Barker 2007). This satisfaction leads to happier workers and job productivity increases (Nauert 2011). The research evidence indicating a positive link between satisfaction and higher productive outputs in the job role illustrate that work-life balance programs maintain considerable positive benefits to both the employee and the employer. Employee commitment is enhanced and there is overall better job performance when an employee is able to work in autonomous work environments (Nauert 2011). From the business perspective, the ability of work-life balance programs to provide perceptions of autonomy even leads to lower employee turnover, thus saving the organisation costs associated with recruitment and training of new employees. Work-life programs also prov ide the organisation with much less overhead costs that is sustained through employees working from home (Beauregard and Henry 2009). In a business where employees are not offered work-life programs, such as telecommuting, businesses must absorb a variety of costs, including office supplies, utilisation of electric services, telephony, and many other administrative costs. By having employees work from home, businesses can reduce their daily operational expenses, thereby satisfying budget concerns. This is a positive outcome from an organisation perspective, especially

Historical development of nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Historical development of nursing - Essay Example Before the birth of Christ, nursing did not exist as a distinct profession. It started out as caring for sick members of one’s family. At this time, it was viewed as a way of expressing love and showing compassion one’s family member. It was mainly a woman’s work and no education or training was required. Between and 100 and 500 AD, nursing was mainly done by religious groups mainly churches. The establishment of the first general hospital by Fabiola in Rome was a landmark event in the history of nursing. In the 16th century, women were required to stay at home and look after their families (Nicola & Frances, 2012). This resulted in the deterioration of nursing care since at the time, it was still a profession for women only. Between 1654 and 1656 nursing was realized as sisters of charity took good care of soldiers who were wounded in the battlefields of Arras and Sedan in France. By 1960, the sister of charity was operating in 40 other countries besides France. However, according to Elizabeth and Jerome (2011), it was not until after Florence Nightingale that nursing started to become a reality in the world. After realizing that very few opportunities were given to women, Florence Nightingale started taking care of the ill while visiting the poor. This is where she developed an interest in a career in nursing. Her most notable contributions happened during the Crimean war. This is after she received reports wounded soldiers were in horrible conditions. In October 1854 together with 38 women that she had trained as nurses, she volunteered to take care of wounded soldiers in the battle field. After noting that there was limited supply for medicine, overworked medical staff and poor hygiene which resulted in fatalities among the soldiers, Nightingale appealed to the British government to find a solution to this problem. The British government commissioned the designing of a

Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Ethics - Essay Example An individual must perform right things at the right time. The script of the book dealing in ethics originates from the heart and each one has to read and understand it with one’s own efforts as per the demands of the situations. Restoration of ethics in American life, particularly in business, has to be given top priority. Practice right things, for self-satisfaction, and not to become selfish and to amass wealth. C W Colson In, â€Å"The Problem with Ethics,† Charles Colson writes with anguish about the plight of the people of America in all segments, with loss of ethical values. According to Colson, ethical and moral decay is the root cause of the problems in American culture. The leadership and people of the country have failed to make proper utilization of the abundant natural wealth that has been bestowed. Selfish goals have turned out to be priorities. A distressing scenario is gradually building up, and no concerted efforts are made to find a tangible solution. Colson’s lecture at the Harvard Business School on April 4, 1991, on the subject of ethics was well-received by the Harvard students. Moral philosophy and ethics were not the favorite topics with the would-be business executives at Harvard, whose sole purpose of getting educated was to know the principles and procedures to maximize profits in the business world. The gist of his lecture was â€Å"that a society without a foundation of moral absolutes cannot long survive.† (Colson†¦) Perfect ethical discipline in the business world may be impossibility; but one needs to know how to carry on with the available discipline by applying the principles of ethics. Colson laments about the future of America, where thousands of public officials are prosecuted and convicted, where Congressmen are censured and forced out of office, where money meant for helping the poor people is being siphoned off by those who are supposed to be its guardians for its proper utilization, where spy scandals threaten the unity and integrity of the nation, where well-known authorities in important positions sell the national honor for sexual favors or for money and where corruption has engulfed all ranks, high and low, of the country’s administration. Colson argues that no professions or branch of business has remained unaffected from corruption. Loan scandals, open exhibition of greed in business dealings, pharmaceutical firms producing adulterated goods, athletes using drugs to improve performances, sportspersons engaging in gambling rackets, top literary figures indulging in plagiarism, section of the intellectuals tendering applications for educational grants on the strength of bogus credentials--the loss of ethical values lies at the bottom of all these maladies. To highlight the existing grotesque scenario of the society Colson quotes from the cover story on ethics from Time Magazine, â€Å"Hypocrisy, betrayal and greed unsettle a nation’s soul,† mentions The Washington Post that â€Å"common decency can no longer be described as common,† points to the observation in The New Republic magazine that, â€Å"There is a destructive sense that nothing is true and everything is permitted.†(Colson†¦.) The Press is the barometer of public opinion. Such a grim situation creates a cynical society, as is the case with America today. Crisis of character has affected all